WhatsApp on the battlefield, fall foliage, and the afterlife of ‘Take on Me’

“‘Taaaake onnn meee!’ The unkillable, oh-so-profitable afterlife of a-ha’s ’80s classic," Los Angeles Times L.A. Times reporter and co-author of "I Want My MTV" Rob Tannenbaum interviews Norwegian pop band a-ha's lead singer, Morten Harket, about the origins and longevity of the group's biggest hit, "Take On Me." Bandmate Magne Furuholmen was only 15 when performed the song's hook for Harket. It was used multiple times on failed songs until "Take on Me" was released in 1984. "Take on Me" also flopped on multiple releases, until its iconic animated music video helped drive it to No. 1 in 27 countries. — Corey Anderson, design director “Fantastic fall foliage and where to find it,” The Washington Post Most of Minnesota's in the midst of peak fall colors this week. The Washington Post took a look at the science behind changing leaf colors — why some years are more spectacular than others and where to find the most striking hues. — Greta Kaul, data reporter “In Afghanistan's war and peace, WhatsApp delivers the message,” The New York Times In the war against the Taliban, top leaders of the Afghan military use WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Facebook, to direct its troops. The quick and flexible app has become so ubiquitous in the country, even American commanders are using it to talk with Afghan forces and Taliban leaders, an unusual departure from the secure communications favored by the U.S. — Walker Orenstein, workforce and environmental reporter “The Apology Letter,” The Washington Post Magazine John J. Lennon started journaling in prison after he was convicted of murder. At first, the writing helped him put words to his shame and fears. But eventually it morphed into civic journalism, touching on subjects ranging from gun control to prison reform. One writing endeavor, though, proved particularly hard: a letter to the family of someone he killed. — Jessica Lee, local government reporter

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WhatsApp on the battlefield, fall foliage, and the afterlife of ‘Take on Me’

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WhatsApp on the battlefield, fall foliage, and the afterlife of ‘Take on Me’